Deborah Davis
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Deborah Davis

New York City, New York, United States | INDIE | AFTRA

New York City, New York, United States | INDIE | AFTRA
Band Jazz R&B

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This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"No Ways Tired, Liner Notes"

"she tells her stories with a disciplined personal passion, immediacy, and mosaic of textures that are so compelling, you can still hear her after the music stops" - Nat Hentoff


"No Ways Tired, Liner Notes"

"she tells her stories with a disciplined personal passion, immediacy, and mosaic of textures that are so compelling, you can still hear her after the music stops" - Nat Hentoff


"Spain"

"Deborah Davis seduces her audiences."
- El Correo Gallego


"Spain"

"Deborah Davis seduces her audiences."
- El Correo Gallego


"Burgandy Restaurant Review"

"Miss Davis has a strong voice that can be richly colored, particularly in the lower register." - New York Times


"Burgandy Restaurant Review"

"Miss Davis has a strong voice that can be richly colored, particularly in the lower register." - New York Times


"Pats Jazz Club Review"

"...from Texas, with style... this self assured singer ...shows solid chops in all ranges, has a sparkling well articulated attack, and a natural flowing charm."
- New York Newsday


"Pats Jazz Club Review"

"...from Texas, with style... this self assured singer ...shows solid chops in all ranges, has a sparkling well articulated attack, and a natural flowing charm."
- New York Newsday


Discography

No Ways Tired, 2003 Got My Own Records
Featuring: James Weidman- piano
Essiet Essiet - bass
Alvin Atkinson - drums
Guest Artist: Keith Loftis - saxophone
Kenyatta Beasley - trumpet
Danny Sadownick - percussion

Only Part Of Me, 2002 Got My Own Records
Featuring: Ron Affif - guitar
Ben Wolf - bass
Greg Hutchinson - drums

Photos

Bio

Former U.S. Jazz Ambassador, DEBORAH DAVIS is a gifted singer and consummate performer that has captivated audiences worldwide. Poet, lyricist, actress, artist, dancer, teacher, and athlete, Deborah is truly an exciting talent but, it is her singing that makes one really take notice. Be it jazz, classical, gospel, country, R&B, or commercials, she’s sung it, developing a personal motto, “If there’s gigs to be gigged, I’m gigging ‘em. Her chosen repertoire consist of a wide selection jazz standards that outline her life's experiences. Constantly working has given Deborah Davis a sophisticated poise that is tempered with sensitivity and poise. Her natural flowing charm, obvious talents, charisma, and flawless stage presence draw you into her show. Ms.Davis has developed a reputation for always swinging , as she plays around with rhythmic & melodic improvisations. She’s also know for seducing her audiences with a ballad. Deborah sings with a pure honesty that will strike emotions deep within the core of your being.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Deborah grew up in a time where she was surrounded by little Debbie's.  Striving for her own independence she’s affectionately know as Debo to family and friends. Although not from a musical family, Deborah has been singing practically as long as she's been talking. Growing up without a stereo she listened most often to the music of her own soul. She felt like singing, so she sang. Before long it became more than what she did. Singing became who she was. With no one to emulate and no obvious musical influences, Deborah developed her own style, and created her own opportunities to sing.  She’d sing in church, local gospel ensembles, school choir & talent shows, beauty contest, commercial jingles, and party bands.  Her first inspirations towards a jazz career were when her high school choir director and mentor, ROBERT SANDERS added her to his weekend jazz gigs. From that time on there was never a question as to what her vocation would be.  Her only task was to gain formal training. 

Armed with pure determination and raw talent, Deborah earned a BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION DEGREE in vocal studies from UNIVERSITY of NORTH TEXAS and an ASSOCIATE ARTS DEGREE in RECORDING ENGINEERING at CEDAR VALLEY COLLEGE. In addition, she studied acting and dance at EL CENTRO COLLEGE.  Singing her way through college Deborah was already a permanent fixture on the Dallas jazz scene when she finished school.  She had gained invaluable experience leading her own jazz bands, and opening for artist like BOBBI HUMPHREY, DEBRA LAWS and ANGELA BOFILL. She also gained an invitation to jam with native Dallas jazz ledgend Red Garland. Deborah performed in local Dallas theater productions of THE WIZ, PORGY AND BESS, DON'T BOTHER ME I CAN'T COPE, was production manager in ZOOMAN AND THE SIGN.

In 1986, Deborah moved to New York City, where she has carved out a niche for herself on the NYC jazz scene. She also managed to continued theater work with performances in BEEHIVE (Japan tour), ONE MO TIME (NYC) and SH-BOOM (NYC). Deborah's distinct style of phrasing, extraordinary singing ability and professionalism has earned her invitations to perform with legendary jazz greats RAY BROWN, LIONEL HAMPTON and CLARK TERRY, as well as an rare opportunity to fill in for ABBEY  LINCOLN.  In addition, FREDDIE HUBBARD, ART BLAKEY, LOU DONALDSON and HAROLD MABERN have all shared their stage with Deborah. She’s lead bands featuring many of New York’s young lions of jazz such a DELFEAYO MARSALIS, JAMES WILLIAMS, BENNY GREEN, CYRUS CHESTNUT, MARC CARY, CHRISTIAN MC BRIDE, PETER WASHINGTON, RON AFFIF, RUSSELL MALONE, JEFF WATS, GREG HUTCHINSON, BRIAN BLADE, and too many others to name. Her performances have generated rave reviews from the NEW YORK TIMES, NEW YORK NEWSDAY, and the AMSTERDAM NEWS as well as a host of INTERNATIONAL PAPERS & MAGAZINES. She has sung on the stages of very well established jazz club & concert halls including THE BLUE NOTE,  BIRDLAND, VILLAGE VANGUARD, SWEET BASIL, THE JAZZ STANDARD, DIZZY’S, B.B.KINGS, TAVERN ON THE GREEN, THE RAINBOW ROOM, WINDOWS OF THE WORLD, MT.FUJI JAZZ FEST, and more. She’s performed for dignitaries at the UNITED NATIONS & U.S. EMBASSY affairs including a performance for FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON.  She continues to gain international recognition during extensive tours. In 2004 Deborah and her band were elected by national audition as U.S. JAZZ AMBASSADOR and traveled to Latin America to foster clultural exchange and provide jazz awareness.

She has performed with THE SHIRELLS Singapore Tour, STEVEN SCOTT ORCHESTRAS, HANK LANE ORCHESTRAS, THE SUPPER CLUB ORCHESTRA, and has recently formed her own company MANHATTAN MUSIC DESIGN booking, contracting and performing for many of New York’s Elite Social Functions & Corporate Events. Her annual clients include Ernst & Young, Watson Rice, Caldwell Wingate, Regional Alliance for Small Contractors and m